Gene L. Wriggelsworth, Sheriff

Heavy Rescue

The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office Elite Heavy Rescue Squad is a highly specialized unit made up entirely of volunteer members and supervised by a full time command sergeant. The squad has 13 members and averages over fifty responses annually. The squads primary function is to respond to motor vehicle accidents where victims are trapped in their vehicles. Using heavy extrication equipment such as the "Jaws of Life", pneumatic cutting tools, Hydraulic tools, etc., squad members free the victims from the wreckage as quickly as possible and always keeping patient care as their top priority.

The rescue squad also responds to assist local fire departments responding to structure fires, and local dive rescue teams responding to drowning or body recovery operations.. The squad brings a mobile air cascade system to the scene and refills air tanks for the firefighters or divers so that they can continue with the emergency operations.

The rescue squad has also been called to assist police departments with fatal traffic accident investigation, as well as high profile criminal investigations that may have occurred outdoors, by providing emergency lighting.

In 2007, the Rescue squad assisted the Capital Area Dive Team in a search and rescue assignment, provided assistance during the Williamston Tornado incident, remained on stand-by during the Ingham County Fair for the Demolition Derby events, participated in the Williamston Track Team parade and "Operation Prom", and refilled air tanks for Delhi Township, Onondaga, Leslie, Mason, Ingham Township, and Stockbridge Fire Departments.

The Rescue squad responded to 41 calls for assistance in 2007. 19 emergency extrication requests, 13 air-tank re-supply requests, 4 emergency lighting requests, and 5 other general assistance requests.

Requirements to become a rescue squad member:

Members must:

• be at least 21 years of age
• have no criminal record
• reside in Ingham County
• have and maintain a good driving record
• pass a written and practical skills test, a physical, a background check, and attend at least one rescue squad meeting prior to being selected by the sheriff or his designee, the emergency services director, and the rescue squad
• have successfully completed extrication training recognized by the squad training coordinator
• be certified in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (C.P.R.) and maintain that certification at your own expense
• equip your personal vehicle with emergency warning lights and siren, maintain the equipment in working order, and register such vehicle with the Michigan State Police in accordance with the Michigan Motor Vehicle code at no cost to Ingham County
• attend the monthly scheduled meeting unless excused by the volunteer services sergeant, squad captain, or squad lieutenant
• attend a minimum of two 4 hour training session conducted annually
• complete a one year probationary period

If you feel you meet these requirements and wish to become a volunteer member of the Ingham County Heavy Rescue Squad, please contact Sergeant Andrina Donaldson at 517-676-8437.